While summer may be slower paced for some, it’s an extremely busy time for farmers – tending to their fields, harvesting crops and moving livestock between pastures. The end result is a lot of heavy farm equipment on major highways and rural roads. K-State Research and Extension farm safety specialist Kerri Ebert says farmers should be mindful of fatigue that may increase the risk of farm-related accidents.

Kerri Ebert Audio

Ebert says that everyone plays a part in farm traffic safety, even those of us that live in town. She says while it can be frustrating to be behind a combine or other slow-moving piece of farm equipment, these vehicles are traveling a relatively short distance – so be patient.

Kerri Ebert Audio

According to the National Safety Council, about one-third of tractor related deaths occur on public roads. While many may assume the accidents are caused by bad weather or hazardous conditions, studies have shown that nearly 80 percent of all tractor-vehicle collisions occur in daylight and on straight, dry roads. Ebert says it’s the responsibility of both farmers and motorists to share the roads safely.